GLP Creos

At first I was skeptical about it. A new model from GLP - CREOS - arrived in the editor's office. At first glance: another massive floodlight with tilt function. Nothing we haven't seen before... At least that's what I thought. However, it only took one launch to see that this is not another "same as another" device, but something much more interesting.

CREOS is a sizable and really heavy device - the first time I took it out of the carton it already managed to pinch my finger. Fortunately, it quickly made up for it with its capabilities: RGBL color mixing, combining into larger layouts, wide zoom range, solid output, individual pixel control and a very powerful effects engine.

Physical characteristics and light source

The GLP CREOS is an IP65-rated wash unit designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It weighs 20 kg and is built on a sturdy, rugged construction. The cooling system offers several modes of operation: from quiet to intensively ventilated.

The light source is 18 RGBL LEDs of 40 W each, arranged in three rows of six. Maximum brightness reaches 8520 lm, and spot luminance is as high as 650,000 cd with a 4.7° beam angle. A 16-bit dimmer and three dimming curves (linear, square, S-curve) ensure smooth transitions even at low values.

On board you will find known PowerCON, DMX IN and OUT and network inputs and outputs (ART-NET control, sACN, etc...).

Motion, optics, colors

The unit features a 190° motorized tilt, with an autocorrect position function. The head responds quickly and precisely, returning to the programmed position after any manual movement. Three tilt modes (Smooth, Normal, Fast) allow the unit to adapt to stage conditions.

Zoom range is 4.7° - 33°

The color scheme is based on the RGBL system with a choice of blending mode (RGB, RGBL, x:y), CTC correction (2500-10,000 K), CQC (quality vs. brightness), Magenta/Green Shift, and iQ.Gamut profile (FULL, Rec.709, Rec.2020).

The weight of the device may be an objection - when assembling and transporting it is worth taking into account.

Gobos, prisms, effects

As a wash device, GLP CREOS has no physical gobos or prisms. Nevertheless, it offers an extensive effects engine with:

• 59 static patterns,
• 50 dynamic animations,
• 11 special effects.

Effects can be controlled with a choice of pattern, speed, step index and transition style (fade, snap, blackout).

The device allows synchronization of effects between up to 255 units in a chain. Each unit is assigned a position and the number of units in the system, allowing you to generate consistent animations over the entire circuit without duplicating patterns locally. The important thing is that they can be synchronized even in 33ch mode. That is, we don't have to play with any pixels.

In the device on the corresponding attribute, we select which device is in order in the line and our effects on the matrix scale nicely to the line created.

When several CREOS are physically connected, there are no gaps between the enclosures - the devices form a continuous line. Although gaps are maintained between pixels, the design provides a clear and rhythmic raster. At the slightest zoom, each lens emits a separate beam, which translates into a very interesting spatial effect.

Active diffusion filters, the future of the device

GLP has introduced a dark and light active diffusion filter in the latest copies, but here in an even better version. The overlay glass is divided into three, individually controllable parts in the form of horizontal strips. This gives the possibility to divide several zones with different degrees of diffusion. The whole thing, of course, controlled from the console.

Currently manufactured devices are already equipped with active diffusion, older units can be replaced with new ones with active diffusion for free. This is a great option if you have devices from previous batches because GLP declares that it will replace them with brand new ones, already with an active diffusion filter.

What's in the box, extras

The kit includes:

• GLP CREOS,
• TrueCON power cord

In addition, frost filters are available for the device, which change the appearance of the matrix and the angle of the beam. An interesting solution is the black filter, which, we must admit, looks elegant.

Summary

GLP CREOS offers a wide range of features that allow it to find its way both as a classic wash and as a tool for creative effects applications. Beam effects with minimal zoom, pixel mapping functions and the ability to spread patterns over multiple devices give great freedom in designing stage concepts.

It will work well on large stages as a rear or effect source, as well as at the front - for example, facing the audience as a color blinder.

Pros:

• zoom range,
• effects engine,
• RGBL and color correction,
• multi-unit synchronization option.

Minus:

weight - mobile applications would benefit from a lighter indoor version, without IP65 protection, but with functionality.